I just wrapped up a clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, and I’m recording this week’s episode from my home away from home—my living quarters trailer parked in Spearfish, South Dakota. It’s funny how, even after all these years of teaching clinics, each one still feels fresh. The foundational principles of horsemanship don’t change, but the horses, riders, and situations always offer new lessons. That’s the beauty of this journey—we’re never done learning.

At the Gillette clinic, I had the privilege of working with mostly returning students. Folks like Kristy Thorson and Lisa Davis, along with Lisa’s daughters, have been through this program six or seven times. Kristy even said this one felt like the best yet, and that’s a huge compliment. Not because I think I did anything special, but because it tells me we’re all still growing—and that’s what this is all about.

On day one, we leaned hard into the concept of “feel”—that signal before the signal. The one that happens before you ever touch your bridle reins. It’s that moment your horse feels your intent before you act, and it can make all the difference. We’re all guilty of being micromanagers with our hands, especially in an adrenaline-filled environment. But if you can learn to slow down, to ride with purpose, and to let your horse prepare for what’s coming next, everything gets better.

One of my favorite parts of this clinic was seeing riders of all ages—from kids to folks in their 70s—working on the same fundamentals. It’s a great reminder that horses don’t know your age, your injuries, or your backstory. They feel what they feel. And if we’re going to ask something of them, we need to be fair, clear, and consistent. That’s the job.

We worked on stops, backups, circles, and balance. We talked about the importance of body position, slowing down your hands, and habit stacking—those little changes you make that compound over time. Something as simple as shifting your hand two inches can be the key to unlocking better communication and a better response from your horse.

The real takeaway from this clinic, though, was bigger than just horsemanship. It was a reminder that every day is an opportunity. Every day is a chance to get 1% better—whether it's in the saddle, in your career, or in your relationships. Horses have taught me that. They’ve taught me how to show up, how to grow, and how to be more present in every moment.

To wrap up this episode, I wanted to share a quote I read recently that really hit home:
“Worrying about tomorrow’s problems will never fix them, but it will always steal today’s joy.”

I’ve got a packed schedule and I’m away from my family, missing my granddaughter’s goodnight FaceTimes—but instead of letting that steal my joy, I’m choosing to be grateful for the opportunity in front of me.

So wherever you’re at in your horsemanship or your life, just remember: this is your one shot. Swing for the fences. Don’t settle for “pretty good” when you’ve got greatness in you. Let’s make the most of each day, and as always—today and every day—let’s be our best.